A Little More Light

It was only the first week of December and already several stores I visited had empty shelves with “sold out” signs where Christmas lights should be. Maybe it was due to cancelled travel plans that freed up time and funds now redirected to transform homes into magical places for the holidays. But I also got the sense people were desperate for a little more light and cheer this year in the wake of this dreary pandemic. In an Algonquin Timiskaming First Nation community in Quebec a giant 3.5 metre dreamcatcher strung with a thousand lights made national news. The Queen’s Christmas Day speech touched on the role of light to convey hope as well. Thinking back to the moment of Jesus’ incarnation, it could’ve been a beacon of sound or parade of animals that led the wise men to the newborn King. But a light in the night sky was what it HAD to be. No other symbol would capture the meaning of our Saviour’s birth. As Canadian communication theorist Marshall McLuhan so aptly stated, “The medium is the message.” Paul felt it was important for Christians to understand it is an evil power that brings darkness into our lives (Eph 6:12) and a loving God who delivers us from the domain of darkness and ushers us to the kingdom of His beloved Son” (Acts 25, 18, Col 1:13). As you enjoy the twinkle of holiday lights May you let Jesus guide your heart to a hope-filled and bright future. Please take advantage of OAC’s “Christmas Lights Vespers” audio guide featuring music and scripture to bring a sense of wonder and worship on these dark December evenings. Available as a podcast download

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